Elinea by Michael Hilal

Elinea by interior designer Michael Hilal is a medical spa located in the buzzy Castro neighbourhood in San Francisco.

Encompassing treatment rooms, a communal relaxation space and an outdoor courtyard, the pared-back yet texturally rich design supports Elinea’s dedicated pursuit of serenity and calm. Stepping into the space is an experience akin to visiting a friend’s thoughtfully curated home. For Michael, this feeling was intentional as he sought to embed the spa with the charm and familiarity of a residential interior.

“Everything about this project creates the feeling of luxury, warmth and ease, which is the same approach we take with all of our residential projects.”

“I did a lot of research for this project and went to several medical spas personally,” he says. “They all had a very clinical and cold vibe, so everything about this project creates the feeling of luxury, warmth and ease, which is the same approach we take with all of our residential projects.”

The resulting space is subdued yet luxurious, and the approach to proportion means the design is rational and easy to digest. Plaster-finished walls, jute rugs and ceramics create a “minimalist, almost monastic feeling,” and curves recall Michael’s interest in Art Deco architecture. A handful of key elements help to anchor this lightness in place, including the monolithic Breccia Viola marble front desk and the thick oak beams that traverse the ceiling and line the bookshelves.

Michael’s design response diversifies in the remaining spaces, yet the project’s overarching identity is consistent throughout.

Michael’s design response diversifies in the remaining spaces, yet the project’s overarching identity is consistent throughout. The deep plum-hued windowless treatment rooms offer a cocooning effect while wall sconces are considered both light sources and works of art. At the rear, the sunny courtyard is a thoughtfully executed final touch and the perfect spot to round out an hour or two of escapism at Elinea.

Interior design by Michael Hilal.